Pair of drug incidents at state prisons underscores ongoing problem

CONCORD - The New Hampshire Department of Corrections revealed last week that illicit drugs were confiscated from individuals at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord and the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility in Berlin.

On Friday a search conducted by the Department's Investigations Bureau and the canine team at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord resulted in the confiscation of 4.6 grams of a white substance that is suspected to be cocaine. The suspect had returned to the facility on Thursday.

He faces felony charges of Delivery of Articles to Prisoners and Acts Prohibited/Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Meanwhile, last month investigators at the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility intercepted 100 strips of Suboxone hidden in the sock of a female visitor who had intended to pass the contraband onto her husband in the visiting room. Criminal charges for Delivery of Articles and Acts Prohibited/ Possession of a Controlled Substance are pending.

"The introduction of contraband, and especially drugs is a serious matter and we use all of the tools available to us to prevent their introduction into our correctional facilities," Commissioner Helen E Hanks said. "Our work focuses on helping people with substance abuse issues, intercepting these drugs, helps us stay focused on recovery."

Jail inmates and personnel at both the Strafford County Jail and York County Jail in Alfred, Maine, have both reported similar problems in the recent past.